Arsenal perform U-turn over Ainsley Maitland-Niles future?

Arsenal are reportedly considering whether to retain the services of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Despite the academy graduate becoming an important part of Mikel Arteta's squad, speculation persists that the versatile 23-year-old could be sold to help balance the books.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been tipped as the Englishman's most likely destination, providing that they bid in excess of £20m.

However, The Mirror claims that the player's man-of-the-match showing in the Community Shield could be enough for club officials to have a change of heart.

With Arteta having regularly spoken highly of Maitland-Niles, it now appears likely that he will be kept at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday evening, Maitland-Niles said that 'his heart was with the Gunners'.